Some of my readers have asked things like "What's so-and-so like when they're not at work?" or "These characters are so realistic. How do you come up with their personalities?" or "Are the characters based on real people?"

For answers to these questions and many more, first read on read on to find out more about me in a new feature...20 questions with Sloan, and then check out the character profiles section for indepth insider information on your favorite characters.

Until next time,
       

You asked for it, so here it is.
20 Questions With Sloan Christopher

1. Is Sloan Christopher your real name?

If I tell you, I'll have to kill you. ;-)

2. Is that really you in the picture?

Absolutely!

3. You look so young in your photo. How old are you? How do you stay in such great shape?

Ancient Chinese secret. ;-)
Seriously, I'm 37. To stay healthy, I try to eat right, drink lots of water, and get in a bit of exercise each day. And above all, I don't take life too seriously. Stress causes wrinkles.

4. Will you marry me?

Sorry boys, I'll soon be happily divorced...don't think I'll be playing the marriage game again anytime soon.

5. Your characters seem so alive. Are they based on real people?

As with many writers, I'm inspired by my environment and the people in it. So I guess the answer to your question would be yes to a certain extent. Not all, but most of my characters have at least a small tidbit of someone I know or have known in the past, some more than others. My favorite saying is, "Careful, or else you'll end up in my next novel!"

6. Kevin Slater is my ultimate dream man. Where can I find him?

Well, at the Burlington (NC) Police Department, of course. No seriously, I can't tell you that. He might throw me in jail if I lead a string of women to his door. Then again, I wouldn't mind him throwing the cuffs on me. ;-)

7. Jess Mitchell is a babe. Where can I find her?

You've found her, Sweetie. ;-)

8. How do you get information for your storylines?

Research, Baby, research! It depends on what I'm writing about. I keep a handful of professionals (cops, firefighters, CSIs, a PI, even a Dom or 2) on standby who don't mind me throwing questions at them, or as was the case with Dangerous Obsession, a bit of online improvization got me through the S&M scenes.

9. The love scenes are so hot. How do you research them?

Well now if you can't figure out whether or not those were made up or based on real life experience, I'm not telling. A girl's gotta have her secrets. ;-)

10. Do you really have a herd of stray cats?

I did at the time Dangerous Obsession was published. I've sinced moved into a new house where I've traded the herd of cats for a herd of deer.

11. Are you Jess Mitchell?

I'm not as meek as Jess can be at times, but yes, we share a lot of the same physical and personality traits, likes, and dislikes...We both drive too fast at times. We both love our motorcycles, although mine's not a Heritage Softtail. We're both into Italian culture. And yes, I love 80s glam rock and hair bands, especially KISS and Poison. (Check out this photo of me with Bret Michaels.) But I love all kinds of music (country, rock, metal, R&B, etc.), depends on my mood. I've even been known to listen to opera on rare occasions. And deep down, we're both hopeless romantics. And that's only a fraction of the traits we have in common. The one thing we don't share is Guiding Light. LOL! Jess loves the Cooper-Spaulding feud, but I'm more inclined to keep up with Victor Newman on Y&R or the fabulous Forresters on B&B.

12. How much of of your stories are based upon your own experiences and your own fantasies? Are they completely fictional, or are there autobiographical elements to them?

Writers always tell you that they're inspired by the world around them and I'm no different. I have a vivid imagination and, at times, a wild fantasy life that eventually works its way into whatever I'm writing. My characters' experiences aren't necessarily based on reality. I'm not, nor have I ever been a cop...been friends with quite a few, though, and I've never dated one...although I seriously considered that as a career move at an earlier phase in my life before family took over. I will admit to having a particular fascination for handcuffs, though, at least when "Kevin Slater" is the one wielding them. ;-)

13. What do you like to do whenever you're not writing?

Aside from spending as much time as possible with my friends and family, I'm an artist through and through, so if I'm not writing, I'm creating something in some other way...drawing, computer illustration, photography, even artsy-fartsy crafty things like sewing and knitting. And I love to cook. I'm constantly experimenting on my friends and family, usually with good results. And I love playing in my garden whenever the drought isn't trying to kill it. When it's warm, I like taking off on long rides on my motorcycle. Luckily, the kids are big enough to ride with me now.

14. Ever met a real serial killer?

Can't say as I have, but then I probably wouldn't be here if I had. I did get to see all of the death-row inmates run past like a pack of wild monkeys when I toured the state prison once, though. I suppose there could have been one of two in there. Now here's a funny story...you haven't lived 'til you've seen a bunch of big, burly cops hide behind a bunch of girls. Our "tour guide" lined the ladies up behind him, then the guys (most of whom were cops) for our protection then proceeded to tell us (ladies) not to be concerned if we heard whistling, cat calls, and the like...that the prisoners weren't interested in us. They were looking at the guys with us. LOL!

15. Do you really speak Italian? What about Norwegian? Spanish?

Italian? Not as fluently as Jess does, but well enough to get by. Norwegian? Not at all. That's what friends are for. Spanish? Mostly cuss words, and what little I retained from college.

16. I just love Niki. Will she ever have her own story?

Maybe some day, but for now, she's gonna remain Jess' best gal pal.

17. Dangerous Obsession was fantastic. Do you have plans to turn this into a series? When does your next book come out? How about a movie?

Thank you! I'm glad that you enjoyed it. And yes, the next book is already in the works. Jess, Kevin and many of your favorite characters will be back for an encore performance in Dangerous Heat. It's running a bit later than expected due to some unexpected, but not surprising, personal issues.

And you know, late last year someone I know mentioned that he could hardly wait for the movie, but I'm thinking that it'd have to have an NC17 or even (gasp!) X rating, so I wouldn't count on that one. Use your imagination. It's much more fun.

18. How do you get beyond writer's block? Do you just give up for a while and hope the muse returns, or do you keep plugging away even if you feel little inspiration or motivation?

I'm getting writer's block just thinking about how to answer to this question. LOL! Seriously, I give up and just put it away for a while. Usually, I'm over it in a few days, but have gone as long as a couple of months. In such cases, I just start a new project. That makes my muse jealous and she returns with a quickness.

19. Where can I find your books?

I'm all over Amazon, and most brick and mortar stores will place special-orders for you.

20. Wow, I was cruising through your site and noticed that you have a bunch of links on paganism and witchcraft. Are you a witch?

Why yes, I am. Thanks for asking. I've been following the old ways since I was a teenager, although I must say that Earth-based religions aren't like what you see on TV. We don't cast evil spells or perform black magick. That's just bad karma, and I dunno about you, but there are very few things that I want biting my butt, or anywhere else for that matter...with the exception of Kevin Slater (grins), who has an open invitation to bite me anywhere he wants. The big rule is that you get back what you send out times 3, so I try to do only good (for other people, animals, the Earth, etc.). Yes, I have my days when I feel downright evil (thanks to PMS and traffic), but I do my best not to act on it. We follow the Golden Rule and we believe in the Divine just like most folks, but we observe it in both it's masculine and feminine forms. After all, you can't have one without the other. ;-) And sorry guys, I know you'll be devastated, but I don't dance around bon fires naked. My family fondly refers to me as the good "weotch" of the south.